Community to march over horror murder of lesbian matriculant

The horrific murder of a young lesbian woman who had just passed matric has left the LGBTI community in the Vaal Triangle up in arms.

Cedric Davids, from the Young Communists’ League (YCL), told Mambaonline that the body of Motshidisi Melamu was discovered in an open field near her home on 18 December in Gauteng’s Evaton North.

According to Davids, who spoke to Melamu’s mother, the young woman (aged 21) suffered brutal injuries and mutilations.

“They tied her up – her neck and arm were tied up. They removed her eyes, breasts and vagina and set her alight,” he said.

“She had just matriculated last year,” Davids added.

The YCL, together with activists from Vaal LGBTI, are holding a march to the Mafatsana Police Station on Tuesday (12 January) to protest against crimes against LGBTI people and the perceived inaction by the local authorities.

A memorandum will be handed to the MMC for public safety and the station commander.

“This is not the first crime reported against the LGBTI in the area. There are also two rape cases which have not seen the perpetrators being brought to book,” said Davids.

“We are not going to allow people to harm other females because of their gender identity and sexual expression.”

The march starts at 9 am. The meeting point is at the BP Garage in Evaton North. For more information and for transport options, please contact Davids on 083 328 7593.